SERVPRO: Know the factors that determine the water damage repair costs

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

Blog summary: This SERVPRO article explains the various factors that determine the expense of water damage repairs.

Factors that affect water damage repair costs

Water damage may occur due to a slow leak in the house or be a result of flooding. Homeowners may or may not have insurance for every kind of water damage and therefore the cost of repair to the owner may vary. There are, however, other factors that determine the water damage repair costs. SERVPRO of Grapevine discusses these factors. 

1. The area impacted

The size of the area impacted determines the repair costs. It, of course, takes more time, materials, and manpower to fix an entire room that was flooded compared to a few square feet of damage. 

The dehumidification process would be more extensive in case of a larger area of damage. More widespread damage typically means that more materials such as documents, carpets, furniture, floors, drywalls, ceilings, and appliances will need repair and replacement.

2. The location

The cost of living in the area of residence affects the water damage restoration cost. Moreover, a residence in an area that is high in humidity will require a longer dehumidification process thereby raising the time of repair and costs. A local water damage restoration expert like SERVPRO is an ideal choice owing to its experience and ability to give accurate estimates. 

3. Presence of water

Sometimes the water drains away easily after the flooding incident or leak. In case the water is still present, professionals would need to bring in water pumps, dehumidification equipment, and moisture-absorbent materials to prevent further damage. Removing excess moisture adds more time to the mitigation process, leading to an added cost. The water restoration process cannot begin until the water removal happens. The amount of water, the area it is present in, and the ease with which it can be removed are factors that decide the restoration cost.

4. Damaged materials

Water can damage not just the structure but also the contents in the house. The materials damaged will determine the expense of repair or replacement. There are different types of flooring, documents, furniture, appliances, and valuables that may need to be repaired or replaced completely.

5. The category of water

The dirtier the water, the worse the damage would be. Water damage caused by clean water such as that from an overflowing sink or broken line is easier to manage. Gray water damage is caused by the water used for showering or cleaning dishes. Blackwater is the most hazardous as it is sewage water that has been in contact with human waste. Repairs from gray and blackwater damage cost higher as it also requires decontamination. 

6. Mold growth

Mold and mildew are considered secondary water damage that occurs when the water mitigation process is delayed. It is important to remove moisture completely from the property to prevent the growth and/or regrowth of mold. Left unattended, mold can cause serious health effects. The removal of mold growth is an extra step and expense that adds to the total damage repair cost.  

7. Time of action

The longer the delay in the water mitigation and restoration process, the more the damage is. This is a simple rule that homeowners must be privy to. The sooner a professional team is contacted to address the water damage, the lower the cost of repairs will be. As time passes, the contents of the house start deteriorating and reach a point where they cannot be repaired. Replacement, as expected, will cost more. Additionally, mold and mildew is secondary damage that will add to the repair costs if homeowners fail to take timely action.

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Grapevine/NE Tarrant County is constantly updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, or surrounding areas can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For water damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Grapevine/NE Tarrant County today at (817) 595-2506 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com